WEIGHT CHANGES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FAYOUMI AND RHODE ISLAND RED HES AND ITS RELATION TO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTED CALCIUM LEVELS

Document Type : Research article

Authors

Dept. of Animal Production, Faculty of Agric. Cairo University,

Abstract

The Fayoumi hens needed more calcium than the RIR hens for the growth of the reproduc tive system before sexual maturity. Calcium supp < /strong>lemented diet caused more growth in active reproductive system than ration devoid in clacium carbonate in both breeds. In general there was a positive relationship between oviduct weight and egg weight. The RIR hens showed higher absolute and relative increase in uterine weight both after sexual maturity and after laying for six months than the Fayoumi hens. Uterus having egg showed slight increase than others in any other periods of laying cycle. Moreover it showed higher relative weight mainly due to the decrease in magnum and Isthmus weight, after secreting their materials, and not due to uterine storage materials.